Don’t Run Risk Of Missing Deadline

Sat., April 13, 1996

Putsata Reang Staff writer

The early registration deadline for Bloomsday is around the corner, so don’t get caught running around at the last minute.

Save it for the race.

Bloomsday registration is booming this year. As of Friday morning, about 20,000 people had registered, said Karen Heaps, Bloomsday coordinator. That’s about 1,500 more than had signed up on the Friday before last year’s early registration deadline.

The deadline is midnight Tuesday. Until then, registration costs $8. After that, the fee jumps to $25 - that’s $5 more than last year’s late fee.

About 80 percent of the entrants make the early registration deadline, Heaps said.

Those who miss the deadline shouldn’t bother sending in entry forms.

“It won’t get processed,” Heaps said. “Save a stamp.”

Late entrants must register in person at the Ag Trade Center on May 3 or 4.

Entry forms are available at US Bank branches, Safeway stores, Snyder’s Bakery, McDonald’s restaurants, and local sporting goods stores.

Heaps hopes for a record number of registrations this year for the 20th Bloomsday.

The record stands at 60,104 for Bloomsday ‘91.

More water!

This year, another water station will help quench that post-race thirst.

The Bloomsday committee has had complaints from runners that there’s no water at the finish. That has forced people to race to water stations along the course, drying up water supplies for those still running.

“Even if it’s just for people to pour over their heads, it’s nice to have the water,” Heaps said.

Calling all Bloommasters

For anyone who has run all 19 Bloomsdays and has not yet contacted the Bloomsday office, the staff wants to hear from you.

A special pre-Bloomsday run will be held at 9 a.m. April 28 for that elite group of about 150 people. They will follow the old Bloomsday course.

Send a postcard with your name (and any name you’ve registered under) birth date, address, and phone number to: Lilac Bloomsday Association, 1610 W. Riverside, Spokane, WA 99201, or call the Bloomsday office at (509) 838-1579.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: JR. BLOOMSDAY TODAY Junior Bloomies take off this morning for the 11th running of Junior Bloomsday. About 10,000 children ages 5-12 are expected to show up for the event, which organizers say is the largest children’s race in the nation. The race starts at 9 a.m. when 12-year-olds get the first crack at zooming around Albi Stadium, followed by other age categories in half-hour intervals.

This sidebar appeared with the story: JR. BLOOMSDAY TODAY Junior Bloomies take off this morning for the 11th running of Junior Bloomsday. About 10,000 children ages 5-12 are expected to show up for the event, which organizers say is the largest children’s race in the nation. The race starts at 9 a.m. when 12-year-olds get the first crack at zooming around Albi Stadium, followed by other age categories in half-hour intervals.